DFC Intelligence and Niko Partners jointly announced today that they're joining forces to from DFC-Niko Emerging Markets. The goal is "to bring global clients critical market intelligence on 10 exciting emerging markets in the video game industry. Initially, the countries covered by the new service include Brazil, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam."
DFC-Niko Emerging Markets will be presenting a baseline study on each market this year. These baseline reports will include market trends, quantitative and qualitative analysis, market sizing, 5-year forecast, key companies, gamer information, payment modes, online games, offline games, console and handhelds (where legal), regulations, piracy, retail sales, distribution, and basic country information.
"These 10 markets are among the fastest growing video game markets in the world, and until now, research coverage has been insufficient," said David Cole, analyst with DFC Intelligence. "DFC started covering South Korea in 2001 and watched the explosive growth that market had as broadband penetration soared. We feel these markets will follow a similar pattern."
"When Niko started covering China in 2003, a legitimate game market barely existed. Now, China is the largest PC game market in the world," said Lisa Hanson, managing partner of Niko Partners. "We specifically chose markets that have enough maturity to justify potential investment, and will be offering consulting services that support market entry as well."
The two analyst firms said that plans for future years include expansion of research and publication of reports more frequently.
